Mariota, Winston Both Shine, Impress Bucs At NFL Combine

The tale of the tape between Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota and Florida State signal caller Jameis Winston is incredibly close. Both former Heisman Trophy winners are 6-foot-3 ¾ with 32-inch arms and similar-sized hands, while Winston weighs 231 pounds and Mariota weighs 222 pounds.

But the biggest difference was the 40-yard dash time with Mariota turning in a 4.52 time in the 40-yard dash, while Winston ran a 4.97. The former Ducks star’s athleticism was off the charts and topping the quarterbacks in most categories.

Winston wasn’t expected to run fast – certainly not as fast as Mariota – and admitted that his sub 5.0 time in the 40-yard dash was what he’s sticking with heading into the 2015 NFL Draft on April 30.

“I felt good, but I wanted to run faster in the 40,” Winston said on a post-practice interview on NFL Network. “But that’s my last one.”

On the field, both quarterbacks threw the ball exceptionally well. According to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times Winston was 16-of-16 on his throws, while Mariota was 13-of-15, missing a throw on a hitch and had a wide throw on a 12-yard out.

“I think I did alright,” Mariota said during a post-practice interview on NFL Network. “I missed a couple of throws. I’m a perfectionist and I want to complete every ball. I thought everyone did well today.”

Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht spoke with reporters after the quarterbacks left the field impressed with both Mariota and Winston.

“Both showcased, accentuated their strengths,” Licht told the Tampa Tribune’s Roy Cummings. “Both looked very impressive Love the fact they both laid it all out there for everyone to see, along with all the others.”

The charismatic Winston was often seen chatting it up with wide receivers, displaying his vocal leadership.

“I just wanted to get the receivers into it and get them playing at a high level and have fun. That’s the main thing.”

Winston, who comes to the NFL with some character concerns, said that interviews with NFL teams went well.

“I believe I accomplished what I needed to do because I just came here trying to be real and being as genuine as possible,” Winston said. “Real recognizes real, so if you are talking to a grown man and being upfront with them to accept the past, but trying to earn his trust – you can’t do nothing but respect that. “It wasn’t tough at all. Like I said, I was being real. I wasn’t putting on a show or paint anything. I didn’t even get coached up like I should have gotten coached up. I took responsibility for everything and was being real.”

NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock was one of many who thought both top-rated quarterbacks had very good performances in Indianapolis.

“I thought Mariota and Winston and just about every quarterback here had a pretty good day,” Mayock said. “Mariota showed good feet and above average arm strength and accuracy. … Outstanding day for Mariota. All the individual components are there. Great feet, great athlete and the arm strength is more than adequate.”

“Now Winston just has natural touch,” Mayock said. “He throws an eminently catchable football. Unfortunately sometimes it’s the defense that catches it. I I’m just teasing, because if you’ve seen my evaluations – on the field I love this kid. Quick feet. He does come out of a pro style offense more than any other quarterback here. He’s used to being under center, and if you heard Kurt Warner talk – and I love to hear Kurt talk about quarterback play – what impresses him is he just naturally has touch. He’s not trying to overpower you. … The dude is electric.”

Other respected NFL draft analysts and talent evaluators chimed in on the top quarterbacks’ days at the NFL Scouting Combine on Twitter. The most favorable comments were about Winston.

NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah pointed out that Winston had 272 snaps under center last year compared to 48 for Petty and just five for Mariota.

Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller said, “If you’re being objective, easy to see Jameis is the best passer in this class.”

NFL Network’s Steve Mariucci said that “Jameis Winston is the best QB he has ever put on the white board.”

NFL Network’s Brian Billick said, “Winston is disproving the theory that a QB can’t look good throwing the ball to WRs he’s never worked with. Making it look so easy.”

ESPN college football analyst and former Bucs tight end Anthony Becht said, “Winston looks impressive right now. Mariota the same … these guys just own the moment.”

ESPN NFL analyst and former Bucs general manager Mark Dominik said, “Both Mariota and Winston threw very well in combine workout. Effortless w/arm strength. I still have Mariota as #1 QB in draft.”

UCLA quarterback Brett Hundley, who is competing with Baylor’s Bryce Petty to be the third quarterback drafted in 2015, ran a 4.62 in the 40-yard dash, and posted a mind-boggling 3.98 time in the 20-yard short shuttle. It’s the best for a quarterback since 206 and the second-best for a running back since 2006. Tampa Bay’s Bobby Rainey had a 3.93.

Miller: “Mentioned pre-Combine that Petty was pushing Hundley for my No. 3 QB spot. Will be a fun week trying to grind that out.”

Several wide receivers stood, including Kansas State’s Tyler Lockett, who ran a 4.4 in the 40-yard dash and was one of four wide receivers that didn’t drop a pass in the gauntlet or in any of the drills on Saturday. The others were Fresno State’s Josh Harper, Maryland’s Deon Long and UAB receiver J.J. Nelson, who was the fastest player at the NFL Scouting Combine with a 4.28 in the 40-yard dash.

About the author

Scott Reynolds is in his 22nd year of covering the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as the vice president, publisher and senior Bucs beat writer for PewterReport.com. Author of the popular SR's Fab 5 column on Fridays, Reynolds oversees web development and forges marketing partnerships for PewterReport.com in addition to his editorial duties. A graduate of Kansas State University in 1995, Reynolds enjoys giving back to the community as the defensive line coach for his sons' Pop Warner team, the South Pasco Predators. Reynolds can be reached at: sr@pewterreport.com

80 Comments

KINDERRT

I can see why Dominik lost his job. After watching the throws and hearing Mariucci say that Winston was the best he ever had on the white board Dominik still has Mariota at #1. How did that guy ever become a GM. I guess that’s why he is a talking head on ESPN, enough said.

cgmaster27

I couldn’t agree more, Dumnanick is a moron. I will say I was pleasantly surprised at Mariota, being as he hasn’t had to do the drop backs at all in his career. 5 times to be exact. But he looked very good. Jameis just made that shit look effortless. Those long throws were just ridiculous.
AS for the football knowledge, us Nole “Homers” have been saying for years, this dude is the smartest QB I’ve seen. If nothing happens between now and his pro day, Lovie should take a playbook and an agent with him to Tallahassee and start negotiations and don’t leave without giving him your playbook. Which I think is illegal by the way.

jongruden

Becuase he likes Mariota over Winston he is a idiot huh? OK, these guys are the top 2 qb’s in the draft there is no right answer. My want to check who Mariuchi liked coming out of college when he was with Detroit, it was Joey Harrington, so whatever

georgehicks

Ynot

Depends what they are looking for. Personally, I’d go Mariota. If you’re looking for overly cocky, big, loud, then go with Winston. You’re going to have another element to your offense with Mariota as well.

cremdonado

The picture of the two guys above is what I saw a lot of during the combine- JW looking engaged with his head up and a lot of MM with his eyes toward the turf and more in his own head.I know that seems like a lot to take from one picture but rewatch/watch combine and see that this photo could have been taken over and over again throughout the days activities.
No more nobody QBs in Tampa- we don’t need a quiet leader who spends his time on the sidelines wrapped up in his own head.We need a leader on offense- a take charge player with his head up,who is engaged with his fellow players regardless of what’s going on in his head…
We Bucs fan need to jump in feet first and get a QB we can believe in- we have had very little to cheer for at that position for as long as I can remember- I may be pro JW but I would support MM if he ended up in pewter and red- as both of these guys are better and show more promise than anyone we have had in the building in 20 years!

Bucmeister

Don’t discount MM leadership. JW is very vocal and outgoing, but MM is just as effective as a leader. You don’t have to be rah rah to lead(just ask ex-coach Morris). Leadership comes in many forms, both on and off the field. All indications from coaches and players show MM to be every bit the leader that JW is. Some like loud and vocal leadership others prefer quiet and lead by example. Both work, don’t discount either.

jongruden

Mariota has nothing to prove to me I have seen him for yrs its the people who haven’t watched him that need to be reasured that he somehow can drop back and take a snap from center which are the most basic things a qb has to do, lol

scubog

jongruden

Scu- Dropping back in a 5-7 step drop is basic fundamental stuff for a qb just like when people question if a qb can take a snap, its a joke, when they question this stuff I question the person if they even know football or have ever played organized football before

jongruden

One thing I like about Winston is his rapore with fellow players I think he relates to guys better than Mariota who is on the quite side, but players will follow you if you lead them to victory period thats all that matters, Andrew Luck is a geak does that matter? Nope!

cremdonado

@ bucmeister- Don’t get me wrong,I’m not knocking MM- I’m just weary of Tampa having another quiet QB.This team has been able to find leadership on the defensive side of the ball but seldom has it’s shown its face on the offensive side of the ball and even rarer still among our signal callers…
I feel we have long hung our hat on our defense and the offense and it’s construction has been mostly an after thought.We have gone year after year with a patchwork offense and that’s why we’ve sucked- a solid defense( when it’s solid) is not enough to win or compete in this league- we need to get with the times- both sides of the ball need to bring it.Pats,Seahawks,Packer are built like that and find the post season on the regular…
I like MM and he might still end up a Buc but I think he is in the quiet mold of our long list of patchwork QBs- which doesn’t seem to be a good fit for a team trying to establish its offensive identity-I think we need a vocal leader on offense –a guy to rally the troops and lead us to victories…

sunshineben

pinkstob

I think they both did very well on the field today. Ma
iota’s question marks revolved around him dropping and taking 3, 5 and 7 step drops and he did that well today. It’s a shame we couldn’t listen in on Winston’s interviews because we know he can make the drops and deliver the ball. Now Mariota looked great (not perfect) in only two months of work under center. Like I said, playing under center and reading NFL defenses will be a complete non issue with Mariota by Week 8 no matter what offense you ask him to play. There is no risk with Mariota so long as you are willing to take a mulligan on the first half of the season. It’s an estimation but I think it will take Winston just as long to learn to not throw into NFL traffic as will take Mariota to learn to throw into NFL traffic.

pinkstob

As far as the presence of these two from their interviews I prefer Mariota’s over Winston’s but neither are ideal. One of the things I know is when the Bucs lose the fans hate everything the HC and QB have to say. When Winston loses they are REALLY going to hate how he says it. It’s like when you’re in a relationship, the things that you find charming and appealing when things are fresh and new are the things you find annoying after the first time they really piss you off. The same can be true of any QB including Mariota but whereas Mariota is very neutral Winston walks an extremely fine between confident and arrogant. It won’t take much losing for fans to see him as arrogant if he’s not careful. On a side note, with the comment about winning the Super Bowl this season and playing against Brady and Manning I still haven’t seen any signs of maturity. He has now put targets on the backs of the teammates of whichever team drafts him. How has claiming you’re going to win the Super Bowl in the offseason worked out for anyone (e.g. Rex Ryan, R. Kalil). It reminded me of Vince Young’s “Dream Team” comment.

pinkstob

Mac, he said 3 teams said there was a big gap between these two “before the combine”. If seeing Mariota be accurate after making 3, 5 and 7 step drops after only 2 months of work didn’t close the gap in their minds even a bit I’m not sure why they bothered watching the QB’s at all.

pinkstob

WeAretheChamps2002, that was a great link. Landry was objective and made sense. Two of my favorite takeaways was he used a word for Winston besides immature that I’ve been looking for…entitled. That describes all of his “what were you thinking” decisions, including this recent one with declaring he’s going to win the Super Bowl next year. The other takeaway was recognizing certain things as red flags or not. If you can’t recognize some of these things Winston has done as red flags, well that’s what separates the men from the boys among GM’s.

cgmaster27

How have you not seen signs of maturity? So you want the guy to act like a wall which is mariota personality? As for him saying he’s going to win the superbowl, that is exactly what I want to hear. Confidence is something we need in a qb. I am tired of these guys with a lack of confidence like josh freeman.

pinkstob

Cgmaster27 I just explained why I see that as immature. Yes, I do want a guy to act like a wall in the offseason. When Rex Ryan claimed he was going to win the Super Bowl in the offseason he at least knew who was on his team. What Winston is doing is not confidence, it’s immaturity because he has no facts about who is on his team besides himself. That means in his mind it doesn’t matter who else is on his future NFL team because all that’s missing is him. If it’s confidence and not immaturity try asking him HOW he’s going to win the Super Bowl. RGIII had confidence too and these same talking heads were drooling over him even more than Winston. You could hear it in the things RGIII said when he was sitting on the same panel during the combine he thought he was God’s gift to football and people thought I was nuts when I said then his act would wear thin. His “confidence” also showed in how he chose to do endorsements before he even played a down. How quickly we forget. Confidence isn’t something we were missing in a QB last year, McCown had plenty of confidence in himself last year and repeatedly told us he would correct the stupid INT’s. Confidence is something you say we need as if Mariota doesn’t have it, he just expresses his differently. It how Winston chooses to express his confidence that is immature.

e

Ha ha! I knew I’d sucker somebody in with that one… Congrats, Jon… I Just read that one scout compared Winston’s X and O’s knowledge is comparable to Peyton Manning at the Combine. All I can say is WOW. e

e

Mac – I had heard that he was sharp with his X and O’s, but the Peyton comparisons? Wow… This feels like Kuechly to me all over again. I was on TBT for years before they went to pay-to-play… and I was fighting for Kuechly for a year, but everyone was saying the he was too slow, too soft… He nailed the Combine, but Dominick blew it. It just seems so obvious with Winston, but I can feel the gilt at the altar coming on… Who knows. e

cgmaster27

It’s one thing to throw in shorts Jon. It’s another to take a 5 step drop while reading a defense and avoiding a rush. You have to admit that. He’ll even mariota admits he’s way behind even calling a okay in the huddle. He did look good on his throws today I will say that. He impressed me with his quick adaptation and footwork. But I was impressed with him. me and you already know where we stand on these two. I just love the way winston is with other players. Good day to be a bucs fan though, both were great.

jongruden

scubog

Starting to waver JonnyG? Next you’ll be doing the chop. Seriously, I think as more is learned about Winston that dispels some of the misconceptions Winston will be viewed more favorably. And if Mariota develops a personality and demonstrates his transition to a NFL style QB the choice will become more difficult.

jongruden

cremdonado

Can’t wait til a few of you just get honest and say you don’t like JW because he’s black…

Who’s to say MM won’t come to Tampa and fall in love with a stripper? No one thought Tiger Woods would get caught bangin Denny’s waitresses did they?Squeaky clean can be a red flag too…Drafting MM will move him to Tampa and almost half a world away from his Hawaiian family.This could pose a problem we have yet to see with him.

There is risk in taking either of these guys as much as there is risk on passing on them both.Some like quiet,some like swag- some call it confidence while others see it as arrogance. Either guy is going to have 100 % of the fan-base behind him until he shows he is a step forward for this franchise.

BucHarbour

Now this is a stupid comment. On the field, I would be fine with either, though I think the negatives for Mariota are easier to fix (needing to be more familiar with pro-sets and drops) than Winston’s (failing to see underneath coverage – leading to picks, and foortwork that goes a little south when under duress). Both have the tools to be successful. Off the field, Winston is a risk. He’s also not much liked by those who believe he’s guilty of the accusations.

For me, why take the risk. Race? Never a consideration – my favorite player is Brooks.

jongruden

Buctebow

Horse

When I was watching Mariota drop back and throw my thoughts were will he be okay with taking the hits just after releasing the ball. Winston has proven for two years he can take some big hits. How they threw didn’t mean much to me. I was very impressed with Winston’s white board chat and this guy is smart and is going to be a winner. Perhaps Mariota too, but he will need the right kind of offense to make it right for him; the Bucs and him don’t fit with the type of receivers and tight ends we have and that’s my opinion.

cremdonado

I bring it up because some of you ‘ grown ups’ seem to forget some of the crap you guys pulled in your youth and are quick to damn a 21 year old kid…seems like some of you can’t stop regurgitating tired media driven crap and have a problem expressing your own opinions for the chance they might be wrong or unpopular.Its funny that the statement wasn’t pointed at anyone in particular yet a few of you responded a little too quickly… If this isn’t you- why respond?
I’m saying that race does play a hand in this- like it or not.i find it funny in a that a league that is predominately African American there aren’t more African American signal callers- to say race doesn’t play into it is just plain ignorant.I’m willing to bet there are quite a few folks out there who don’t want him in Tampa because he is a person of color -and those same people will find a way to show their hatred if Mariota is chosen and struggles…the thing is that those morons have had a lifetime to hate blacks but have had little interaction with islanders so that hate will take some time to develop…
if this ain’t you then don’t respond- if it struck a nerve,maybe you just aren’t being honest with yourself and where you stand…

jongruden

Crem- You think that we have concerns over Winstons Character is because of his race?, lmao you might want to accuse every owner, coach, gm, writer of doing the same thing then, I guess they are all racists

jongruden

scubog

I can assure you that back when Doug Williams was our QB many made racist remarks and thought he was “dumb” just as some thought of Winston because of his southern accent. I often said, “All of the players are orange to me.” I guess now I see all of our players as red and pewter. I do find it somewhat odd that the Flying Elvises (Patriots) seem to have a lot more pale players than most teams just as the Celtics did.

jongruden

Scu- Winston carries himself fine during interviews but listen to him in pre game speaches and when he is hanging with the other players he displays ebonics and street talk, google the pre game speach Winston had vs Clemson and you will see what I’m talking about. When you use street talk it comes off as unintelligent and gives off a misconception, I tell my son all the time not to use certain words because of it.

macabee

The results of the Combine 40 yard dash need to be put into perspective. Winston ran a terrible time in the 40 – one that with his eagerness to impress, he will certainly try to improve on his pro day. But how important is it? We’ve all seen on tape his pocket presence and his escapability – even a designed run or two.

Here are a couple of facts that might help. RGIII ran an impressive 4.41 at the Combine. Tom Brady ran a tortoise-like 5.28. The Redskins will probably give you RGIII for a late draft pick and Tom Brady probably runs a 6.00 flat today and has won 4 Super Bowls.

Speed is good, but it’s not necessary to be an effective QB. And in the case of RGIII – it sometimes kills!

cgmaster27

Winstons 4 time means nothing. He’s a pocket qb who can move the pocket when he has to. I think 40 time is stupid for qbs. As for running it again, he said that was the last 4 he runs. Why do it again, he doesn’t need to.

jongruden

cremdonado

@jongruden- it’s funny that year after year you are the same blow hard judgemental A-hole who is quick to call people names and challenge peoples intelligence – what makes you an authority on anything? You constantly post dumb broad sweeping crap and try to champion fights that aren’t really yours( or are they?)
– the dumbest stuff posted here are your shallow remarks and your feeble arguments . You look to vilify other posters and attempt to shame those who don’t share your exact view-you sir are a cornhole…I am more concerned with your character issues than those of Winston’s – he will do just fine as you continue to troll your way around the Internet..

jongruden

Bucko40

When did Winston take responsibility for his Off Field issues? All it sounds like is that he wants to sweep those issues under the rug and move on. No Accountability for his actions is more like it.

I don’t want a QB that’s going to need a babysitter in Derrick Brooks. That may have shoulder issues from playing 2 sports 17 years by the age of 21. Or has some questionable throwing mechanics.

I want a Manning, Brady, Rodgers or Luck type personality that will lead on the field and be a superior role model off the field. It doesn’t hurt that Mariota has that dual threat scrambling aspect to his game.

cgmaster27

First off comparing mariottas personality to brady, manning, and Rodgers couldn’t be further from the truth. Mariota is a mute on the sidelines. He’s not vocal at all. And just because winston didn’t pop into the tube and said I’m sorry for my stuff, doesn’t mean he doesn’t take responsibility.

cremdonado

I’m sure he is expressing that in his individual interviews ,as folks seem high on him at the combine…Also,the combine is to see how good a football player you can be- maybe the consensus was to just let him focus on the combine and less on the media stories that have dogged him for years.

The ultra rich owners of the league like to gamble – hell, even throw money away- but they can’t take that same approach with Winston in the current climate surrounding the NFL.Winston will be asked in every interview he attends about the issues and they will determine club by club if he is holding himself accountable.Just because the media has yet to report on it,I’m sure those tough questions have been posed and answered.
it works better for the Bucs in many ways if both he and Mariota are highly sought after as it offered us a world of potential offers and trades…If we draft Winston or not,it is in our best interest that clubs believe he has held himself accountable and is now looking to move past and forward..

jongruden

cremdonado

@jongruden- Racism isn’t strictly a WHITE person thing- any color or creed can show hate and bigotry towards others…

you have again proven you are moron though…Instead of trying to come back with some snappy reply, I suggest you delve deeper then front page blurb articles that are written to fuel misinformed morons and search for some real info and then form an opinion.
if Winston’s issues truly bother you- investigate and dig deep to support your view of things- don’t except what media outlets are posing as the truth.Modern media takes more of a TMZ approach to reporting with very little ACCOUNTABILITY regarding the factual nature of what they are posting.

Folks talk about Winston not taking responsibility or accountability for his past issues but seldom if never are reporters are held to the same rules when reporting falsehoods and misinformation…
Today’s media relies on sheep to take their misinformation as fact- Jongruden,don’t be a sheep…

jongruden

Crem- Winstons misfortunes are well documented even FSU University investigated his bb gun incident and profanity laced display to the student union and then lied to his head coach about it and how can you argue video of him shop lifting crab jeeze, lol so no its not JUSt the media, and stop making excuses for the kid, let him take responsibilty for his actions, I am willing to draft him and cross my fingers he has learned his lesson but i will be scared in the meantime

jongruden

cremdonado

seems like I’ve struck a nerve…No one accused you directly of being a racist,you just seemed to want to champion the fight.You have accused me of being a racist but much like the media outlet teats you suckle on,it is baseless and misinformed…
Your continued attempts to direct conversations in a direction you are comfortable with is laughable…you seem quick to respond to people but seldom does it appear you really put though into your responses- your continued name calling and downplaying of others posts just shows what a balloon knot you really are…

Horse

cremdonado

I like that Winston throughout the combine mentioned or expressed a desire to play in Tampa . Yes this can be discounted as him just feeding his ego and assuring he is the first pick in the draft,but I would like to think he would actually be excited to be a Buc.
Mr. Mariota expressed more of an interest in being on any team that drafts him,but hadn’t to my knowledge expressed direct interest in being the Bucs first pick…
Is this him acknowledging his belief that Winston will be our pick or his hope we pass on him and it begins a draft day trade frenzy? does the whole Eli/Philip drama happen if we draft Mariota? would he/his family be happier with him in NJ/NY or Tenn?
Also Lovie and the Bucs organization can earn a bit of player respect by taking the ‘risk’ of drafting Winston- especially if he is successful.This might translate into FA additions that would have previously overlooked Tampa as some players who would like to win a SB would also like to do so with a QB of color…

cremdonado

surferdudes

I’ve stayed away from the race thing because I think our friend Pinkstop is black, and seems to be pro Mariota. That said, I do hear a current of racist overtone on this board, and others. Terms like thug, dumb, ebonic speaking, really? Would you all still be hating, if Winstons’ alleged rape was with a black woman? If she was black she more likely wanted sex with Winston, but that pretty little white girl, no way. He had to have drugged, poured whiskey down her throat, then raped her. Yeah that’s the way it went down. Then she got on the back of his scooter, put her arms around him to hold on tight, and he took her home. So he is really a nice guy, because how many rapists would take the girl home on their scooter after the act? Just remember without calling anyone a name, don’t want to be called a degenerate anymore, the word whore is not a made up. Look up it’s meaning.

Buctebow

I didn’t know what color she was until you mentioned it (assuming you are correct)and on the surface it seems like it’s a money grab on her part, but I wasn’t there to know what actually happened. I just know he wasn’t charged, so let’s move on. until there is a substantiated reason to accuse him of an actual crime. I know from personal experience women can do underhanded things to get you in trouble and there is nothing you can do to discount their story, you are convicted in everyone’s mind without a trial and evidence. Oh, she’s crying, so he must be an animal….I get it., but again, I wasn’t there.